TAB Records Biggest Cup Turnover

MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release 2 NOVEMBER 2010

TAB Records Biggest Cup Turnover

The TAB has reported a record turnover for a Melbourne Cup race as punters flocked to place bets.

TAB outlets around the country and the TAB¹s online bookies reported brisk business today with the last couple of hours leading up to the race the busiest.

Total turnover for this year¹s race was $8.73 million, up 10% on last year¹s turnover of $7.91 million, and was the biggest turnover for the Melbourne Cup race ever. The previous record was $8.13 million wagered in 2005 when Makybe Diva won an unprecedented hatrick of Melbourne Cups.

TAB spokesman Michael Dore said punter turnout this year had been strong.

³It¹s been quite a remarkable run of betting really. The rise and rise of So You Think really captured the public's imagination - the result being that it started as one of the shortest priced favourites in the history of the Melbourne Cup at $3.20.

³We also had one of the strongest fields in decades with eight internationals, including three kiwis. The fact it was the 150th running probably also helped add to people¹s excitement for the race.²

The 2010 Melbourne Cup was won by Americain, the first ever French-trained horse to run in the Melbourne Cup (Win: $10.90 and Place $3.20) with Maluckyday coming in second ($3.30) and So You Think coming third ($2.00).

The Quinella dividend was worth $52, the Trifecta dividend $224 and the First4 dividend, with Zipping coming fourth, was worth $7451.60.

One of the biggest winners of the day was the punter who placed a $5,000 bet on Americain and won $55,000.

³Every year the Melbourne Cup really draws out the best in racing and this is a terrific result for us. Kiwis just love getting involved and being part of the excitement,² Michael Dore said.

Betting for the TAB Spring Carnival can be placed at any TAB store nationwide or online. Visit tab.co.nz for the latest odds.

ENDS

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